Portland, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Connecticut
1939 - 2012
KARABETSOS, Michael K.
Michael K. Karabetsos, 72, of Portland, beloved husband for over 45 years of Eleni (Balis) Karabetsos, died, Monday (September 10, 2012) at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Sanga (Tripoli) Greece son of Konstantinos and Panagiota (Javaras) Karabetsos. Michael was raised by his step mother Demetra Karabetsos. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1955. Mike was a renowned restaurateur, having operated several restaurant's in the Hartford area, among them Mike's Luncheonette for several years, The Pizza Palace, East Hartford, for 30 years and more recently Elaine's Restaurant in Wethersfield founding it in 1991. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral where he served on the Parish Council and was actively involved in many of the church's activities especially the Greek Festival. He was President of the Arcadian Club. He enjoyed spending summers in Greece and adored his beloved grandchildren. He was an avid Baltimore Orioles and New York Giants fan. Besides his wife he is survived by two sons, Dino and his wife Joanne Karabetsos of Glastonbury, Chris and his wife Elizabeth Karabetsos of Belchertown, MA, a daughter Patricia Fluet and her husband Scott of Glastonbury, six grandchildren, Ariana and Alyssa Fluet, Michael and Theodore Karabetsos, and Alena and Alexa Karabetsos and a future grandchild, two brothers, James and his wife Elli Karabetsos of Manchester, and William Karabetsos of East Hartford, a sister, Stella Bikakis and her husband Dino of Berlin, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Friday, September 14, 2012, 12:30 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave. Hartford with The Rev. F. George Zugravu officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A Trisayion service will be Thursday, 6 p.m. at the Cathedral. The family would like to thank the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center and Vitas Hospice for all their compassionate care given to Michael. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Ctr. 85 Retreat Ave. Hartford, CT 06106 or St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Basketball Team, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford, CT 06114. To share a memory with the family, please visit, www.dillonbaxter.com
Michael was a very good friend, I enjoyed the conversations we had over coffee. Michael may be gone but he will never be forgotten to me. Rest in peace my dear friend until our paths cross again.
Gary Santoro
September 06, 2020 | Tavares, FL | Friend
Michael was a great friend, He was always smiling and treated his customers with respect. When ever we went in to get a bite to eat, Michael would always come over and sit down with us. When I retired and moved away I missed the conversation that we use to have and I missed seeing all of his family as they worked at the restaurant. Friends like Michael and his family are hard to find and I miss seeing and talking to them. Rest in piece Michael, you were a Great Friend.
Gary Santoro
September 08, 2019 | Tavares, FL | Friend
I just learned of Mike's passing. Those of us who worked for years at Cedarcrest became regular patrons, and for some, good friends of Mike and his marvelous family. He will be missed.
Robert Chesanow
November 08, 2012 | Cheshire, CT
To the karabetsos family. I was truly sadend to hear of mikes illness two weeks ago.Now I am in shock to hear of his passing.Mike was truly a great guy I very much respected.My heart with prayers goes out to your family as you go through this difficult time.
Jim Kishimoto
September 16, 2012 | Enfield, CT
Dino, Patty, Christopher and family
We are very sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your Dad but the one I love the most was Sunday night trips from AIC to Pizza Palace(even though Dino made the pizza) your Dad always had a kind look and understanding that what we were about to devour was not close to the food from our cafetiria. The amtosphere was as close to home as all of us knew. Thank you sharing your Dad and allowing us to feel home/family. We share your...
Tracee Charlie Carroll
September 14, 2012 | Middlefield, CT
To the entire Karabetsos family ~
I was deeply saddened to hear about Mike's passing. He was was a great man and I feel so blessed to have known him. I was always made to feel very welcome, during my many visits to "Elaine's" - sometimes with Nita, other times without. I have many great memories of sitting at the bar, eating, drinking and enjoying great conversations (sometimes in Greek which I didn't speak, but somehow managed to follow). You all hold a very special place in my heart....
Jodi Morris
September 14, 2012 | Spencerport, NY
My wife, Ann, and I were saddened to hear of your loss. We had such a good time at Elaine's for our daughter's engagement party a couple years ago, due in large part to Dino's wonderful sense of hospitality. "By their fruits you shall know them," Jesus said. By that measure, Mike must have been a great man, indeed, as shown by his son's personality. May he rest in peace, and may your faith sustain you.
Michael Aparo
September 14, 2012 | Wethersfield, CT
Michael (Boomer) and I are very saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We have many fond memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Karabetsos family.
Joanne Devanney
September 14, 2012 | Jacksonville, FL
Our sincere condolences to the Karabetsos family on Mike's passing. We are very sorry for your loss.
George & Cheryl Souliotis
September 13, 2012 | Glastonbury, CT
